The Few of the Few "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few." Winston Churchill's words immediately conjure up images of plucky RAF chaps running to their Spitfires to go and give 'Jerry' a damn good thrashing. However, it is frequently overlooked that 56 Fleet Air Arm pilots also took part in the Battle of Britain with four becoming fighter 'aces'. Although rarely acknowledged, three Naval pilots also flew with the famous 242 Squadron commanded by the legendary Douglas Bader.

The young Naval aviators who took part in the and Petty Officers, RE Dubber and DE Taylor Battle of Britain between July and October flew with 808 Naval Air Squadron. Royal 1940 saw some of the fiercest fighting of the Marine pilots were also represented in these battle. 23 Naval pilots served with twelve RAF squadrons; Captain AE Marsh RM and Fighter Command Squadrons, flying Spitfires Lieutenant AJ Wright RM flew with 804 and and Hurricanes, and a further 33 served with Lieutenant RC Hay RM with 808. 804 and 808, the two Fleet Air Arm Battle of Britain Squadrons who operated under Fighter Seven Naval pilots were killed and two Command, providing Dockyard defence. wounded during the Battle of Britain and whilst all 56 Naval aviators are listed on the The first Naval fighter ace in the battle was Battle of Britain memorial in London, the Sub Lieutenant Francis Dawson-Paul who flew contribution made by the Royal Navy is rarely Spitfires with 64 Squadron. He was followed recognised. In the iconic films 'Battle of by Sub Lieutenant Arthur Blake from 19 Britain' and 'Reach for the Sky', despite Squadron, who also flew Spitfires, and then Douglas Bader having three Naval Officers in Sub Lieutenants 'Dickie' Cork and 'Jimmy' his Squadron, including his wingman 'Dickie Gardner from Douglas Bader's 242 Squadron. Cork', no reference is made to them. In the Cork was awarded the DFC for his actions. eyes of the world the Battle of Britain is, and always will be, an RAF victory and the The two Fleet Air Arm squadrons flew Gloster contribution and sacrifice of the 'Few' is Sea Gladiators, Grumman Martlets and Fairey something that is indisputable. However, the Fulmars, normally only seen in carriers. 804 Royal Navy, and those with an interest in Naval Naval Air Squadron, based at Hatston, aviation history, should never forget the consisted of 22 pilots flying Sea Gladiators and bravery of the few within the 'Few' who Martlets whilst the 11 pilots of 808 Squadron, fought in Naval uniform. based at Wick, were equipped with Fulmars. Sunday 1S September 1940 was the Amongst these pilots were five Petty Officers decisive turning point in the Battle of earning themselves the Battle of Britain Clasp. Britain and this year's annual Battle of Petty Officers TJ Mahoney, FL Shaw and WEJ Britain service will be held in Westminster Stockwell flew with 804 Naval Air Squadron Abbey on Sunday 20 September 2009.